Owners Brad and Becky Kramer were stacking dirty dishes and sanitizing the bar all while saying goodbye to their final lunch customers. Meanwhile, their friendly 2-year-old daughter Aubrey sat in a high chair enjoying some vanilla soft-serve ice cream.

It was a successful lunch.

Kramer’s Cafe, 101 E. 1st St., Orient, served about 27 chicken and noodle lunch specials Thursday, and a total of about 50 people. Becky said business has been steady since they opened Dec. 28.

“We’ve been pretty busy,” Becky said. “We’ve had anywhere from 50 to 100 people during lunchtime. We’re already starting to get some regulars. We’ve had nothing but positive feedback from the community so far.”

Their menu currently consists of cheeseburger, loin and chicken sandwiches, chicken strips and fish sandwich. Additionally, they have lunch specials during the work week.

“It’s a great place,” said Ed Hansen, retired Orient-Macksburg teacher. “I’ve been up there a couple times for lunch and another time with my family. Their sandwiches are good. I really think this place will go. It’s been a few years since Orient has had a restaurant so, I think the people of Orient will really support them.”

Onion rings

People are raving on social media about the onion rings at Kramer’s Cafe. Brad makes them homemade, slices them really thin and uses a special-recipe batter.

Lisa Swanson of Orient was one person on social media who highly recommends the onion rings.

“They’re so good,” Swanson said. “They’re not those really big fat onion rings where the onion falls out. They’re not out of a freezer.

“They’re homemade and hand-dipped.You can look right through the kitchen window and see them slicing onions and battering them. They’re going to be a big hit and probably be one of their signature menu items. They’re really are good.”

Brad and Becky are joined by cook Julie Breda — former owner of the Macksburg cafe. Hours at Kramer’s Cafe are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 7 to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

The bar is open at the cafe after 8 p.m. Saturday, where beer and wine are served.

Becky said, in the future, they plan to expand the menu and possibly do a brunch after church on Sundays. To contact Kramer’s Cafe, call (641) 337-5110.